BUYERS

Yes, getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take. A lender reviews your income, savings, and credit to tell you how much you can borrow. This keeps your search in the right price range and shows sellers you’re ready to buy.

Once a seller accepts your offer, it usually takes about 30 to 60 days to get your keys. Your loan, the home inspection, and other steps can affect that timeline. We guide you through each step to keep things moving smoothly.

It depends on the type of loan you choose. Many buyers put down 3% to 5% of the price, and some loans require even less. We can connect you with trusted lenders who will help you find the best option for your budget.

In many cases, the seller agrees to cover our fee. Before we start, we’ll explain exactly how we’re paid and what your options are. You’ll always know the cost up front, with no surprises.

Next, after your offer is accepted, you’ll schedule a home inspection, finalize your loan, and sign the paperwork to complete the purchase. We track every deadline and stay in touch with everyone involved. Our goal is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Absolutely, and we love helping first-time buyers! We take the time to explain every step clearly and answer all of your questions. We want the process to feel exciting, not stressful.

We proudly serve Saratoga, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Washington, and Warren Counties. Our team knows these communities well, from the neighborhoods to the schools. We’ll use that local knowledge to help you find the right place to call home.

Being pre-qualified is a quick estimate based on information you share with a lender. Being pre-approved means the lender has actually checked your income, savings, and credit. Sellers trust a pre-approval more, so it makes your offer much stronger.

There are also fees to complete the sale, such as lender fees, legal fees, and title insurance. These usually add up to about 2% to 5% of the home’s price. Your lender will give you a detailed estimate early on so you can plan ahead.

Earnest money is a deposit you make after the seller accepts your offer to show you’re serious about buying. The money is held in a secure account until the sale is complete. At that point, it goes toward your down payment or other costs.

Yes, in our area most buyers hire a real estate lawyer to review the contract and handle the final steps of the sale. Your lawyer makes sure your interests are protected and the paperwork is correct. We’re happy to recommend experienced local lawyers we trust.

Almost every inspection turns up something, so don’t panic. Depending on the issues, we can ask the seller to make repairs, lower the price, or give you a credit toward your costs. If the problems are serious, you may be able to cancel the purchase.

Your lender will hire a professional to determine what the home is worth. If the value comes in lower than your offer, we can ask the seller to reduce the price. You could also choose to cover the difference yourself or split it with the seller.

Competing offers are common when homes are in high demand. We’ll help you make a strong offer without stretching your budget too far. Sometimes the winning offer stands out because of its timing or flexibility, not just its price.

Not necessarily. Some people sell first, some buy first, and others make their offer depend on selling their current home. We’ll help you compare these options and choose the plan that works best for you.

Absolutely! We regularly help people relocate to the Capital Region from all over the country. With video tours and detailed neighborhood information, you can shop with confidence from anywhere.

Yes! The builder’s salesperson works for the builder, so it’s smart to have someone looking out for you. We’ll help you negotiate upgrades and terms and keep an eye on the process until you move in.

Definitely. Whether you’re dreaming of a lake house or want a home to rent out, we’ll help you find a property that fits your goals. We’ll also help you think through costs, rental income, and long-term value.

Yes, New York offers programs that can help with your down payment and provide competitive loan options. Each program has its own requirements. We’ll connect you with lenders who can explain what you qualify for.

Property taxes vary a lot depending on the town, county, and school district. We’ll show you the tax history for every home you’re considering. We’ll also tell you about tax breaks you may qualify for, like New York’s STAR program.

Yes, your lender will require proof of homeowners insurance before you can complete your purchase. We recommend getting quotes early in the process. Costs can vary, especially for older homes or homes near water.

The final walk-through is one last visit to the home, usually within a day before the sale is complete. You’ll confirm the home is in the condition you agreed on and that any promised repairs were made. It’s your chance to make sure everything is just right before you sign.

Every search is different. Some buyers find their home in a week, while others take a few months, depending on their budget and what’s for sale. We’ll set up custom alerts so you see new listings as soon as they hit the market.

Yes. In New York, buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It explains what we’ll do for you and how we’re paid, and we’ll walk through it together so everything is clear.

Just give us a call or send us a message! We’ll talk about your goals, timeline, and budget. From there, we’ll connect you with a trusted lender and start your home search.